This morning, three of our Grade 8 students led the recitation of the pledges, The Lord’s Prayer, O Canada and the Land Acknowledgement.
Our first worship song was “Everyday” which Mrs. V described as a good song about being CRISP! Students then watched the “How do CRIPS leaders demonstrate compassion?” video, read Colossians 3:12 and reviewed a few slides about how compassionate leaders behave. This was followed with the singing of an upbeat version of “Jesus Loves Me “with lots of actions.
Next, students watched a video entitled “CRISP Kid Questions – Topic of Compassion”. It featured a variety of Wesley students sharing their thoughts about “What is compassion?” and “Why do CRISP leaders need to show compassion?”
Our guest speaker today was Pastor Ian from Christ Emmanuel Community Church. He began by introducing himself, as it has been quite a few years since he last spoke at Wesley. Then, he showed a dictionary definition of the word compassion. He modified the words to make it more understandable but then he transformed the definition into a powerful series of pictograms of a head, heart and hand. He explained that compassion is a combination of when your head knows what needs to be done because you can see and process it. This then allows your heart to feel empathy and the need to help the situation. These two things that come from your head and your heart then prompt you to take action (with your hands). Pastor Ian then explained that Jesus is our best example of compassion.
He used two stories of how Jesus had compassion on the crowds or individuals and healed those who were lame or with disease. Jesus saw the situation. He knew how those people felt and He did something about their problems. Pastor Ian also spent some time asking a thought provoking question – what if Jesus did not show compassion? What if he didn’t heal anyone? or feed the 5000 or took revenge on those who whipped him? Jesus knew that what He had to do – to obey God’s plan and show His love, power and grace to all. Pastor Ian also planted a seed about how to show compassion at school. He gave an example of seeing a fellow student fall and get injured. Many often don’t react because there is usually a teacher there to help. However, he challenged the students to also take action (hand) when they see (head), and feel (heart). Actions could include going over to help but it can also be praying for the person and/or asking how they are doing later on. Pastor Ian also reminded the audience that Jesus is the greatest example of compassion through His death on the cross. He knew (head and heart) what needed to done and He obeyed God’s plan, even at His own personal cost. In his conclusion (which he calls SPAT – Super Practical Application Time), Pastor Ian shared that we can demonstrate compassion by praying for opportunities, looking for opportunities, and giving thanks and glory to God for all of those opportunities. Pastor Ian ended in prayer, thanking our God of compassion, who is the perfect example, and asking Him to help all of us know, feel, and do – while giving God the glory.